Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

How was your Easter weekend? Mine was lovely. On Saturday, I woke up and made coconut pancakes (with organic coconut milk this time). Then I hit up the farmer’s market to buy more herbs for my little herb collection, which is not so little anymore! Lavender, cilantro and Italian parsley joined the family.

I also bought some organic, locally grown arugula. The saleswoman beamed as she told me she had picked it herself the day before. I love arugula for its peppery flavor, and this fresh arugula had a particularly tasty kick to it.

I knew exactly what I wanted to make first with my arugula: pasta salad. It’s my friend Whitney’s recipe, and became one of my favorites after my first bite. It requires minimal prep, and the ingredients are so flavorful, it tastes positively gourmet.

My friend Jordan discovered it’s perfect for picnics, and I think we both agree it’s delicious warm or cold, as a side dish or main dish. Make a big batch for a potluck or throw it all together for an easy meal at home. It even stores well in the fridge for a few days!

Arugula and Goat Cheese Pasta Salad

The ultimate easy gourmet meal. Ready in 15 minutes, this arugula and goat cheese pasta salad is perfect for picnics and potlucks!

Ingredients

whole wheat pasta (rotini, penne, bow tie, or any other small noodles), about half a box

arugula- about three handfulls, rinsed and chopped into bite-sized pieces

roasted red peppers and/or cherry tomatoes, chopped

crumbled goat cheese- at least half a container’s worth

drizzle of olive oil

fresh lemon juice and/or white wine vinegar

salt and pepper, freshly ground

Instructions

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to the directions. Drain the pasta and pour into a big serving bowl.

Chop arugula and roasted peppers and/or cherry tomatoes.

Pour in goat cheese. Toss with peppers/tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil, a lemon’s worth of juice or a drizzle of vinegar, and salt and pepper. Mix in arugula last.

Notes

Make it tomato free: Just add the roasted peppers instead of the cherry tomatoes.Preparation tips: This is such a flexible recipe, I almost feel silly specifying the amounts. Please, adjust everything to taste. Just don’t skimp on the goat cheese!

▸ Nutrition Information

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Did you make this recipe?

Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #cookieandkate.

We call it rocket here in Australia too. It’s one of my favourite foods in the whole world. Yep. Juicy green leaves is what I crave when I’m away from my normal diet. And this recipe is my kind of salad. Love your work lovely lady.

Made this for dinner last night along with your gazpacho (from blog). Kids and husband liked this salad and it was easy to make. I omitted olives but might add carrots and cucumber chunks for additional texture and flavor next time.